"Nights of the Black Flag" Paintings by Donna Lee Nyzio

"FIRE"

Three new paintings by Donna Lee Nyzio are now on exhibit at Skipjack Nautical Wares and  Marine Gallery. Click here to visit Donna's page at Skipjack Marine Gallery. These three paintings were created as part of an exhibit titled "Nights of the Black Flag" that was recently on display at the North Carolina Museum of History and again at the North Carolina Maritime Museum.

Pictured above: "Fire" acrylic, gauche painting on hot pressed illustration board by Donna Lee Nyzio. Two pirate ships, the "Meka II abd the "Royal Liste" fire upon each other in close battle off the coast of Wilmington, N.C.. Measures 17 X 34 and 29 X 46 inches framed.

“Knight of the Black Flag”

“Knight of the Black Flag” by Donna Lee Nyzio. Acrylic gauche mixed media painted on hot pressed illustration board. 39" X 30 ½" framed. Blackbeard the pirate aboard the "Queen Anne's Revenge with firing cannons and ghostly visions of departed pirates in the background.

"Dawn in the Rigging"

Dawn in the Rigging” by Donna Lee Nyzio. Female pirate aboard the “Meka II” off the coast of Beaufort, N.C. Acrylic Gauche mixed media painted on hot pressed illustration board. 31 ½" X 39 inches framed.

To read about the exhibit, visit these links. "Knights of the Black Flag" at the North Carolina Maritime Museum.

http://www.carteretnewstimes.com/articles/2008/08/06/news-times/news/doc4899bea40f8fd689979191.txt

Click here to go to Skipjack's Nautical Living home page. 

Marine Artist Jim Campbell

"The Eagle" Pen and ink drawing by marine artist Jim Campbell

Jim has a penchant for old maritime adventure. His interest in treasure ships, shipwrecks, clipper ships, Spanish Galleons loaded with gold and silver plus the pirates and buccaneers that piled the seas has always been fascinating to him.

"Duel at Hampton Roads"
 Pen and ink on
navigational chart.

In the course of his sailing ship research, he has become a historian as well. He revels in the telling of tales and debunking myths created by authors to suit their stories.While working for the Examiner in San Francisco, Jim became enchanted with ships in the bay. At this point, his interest in maritime art began. Sketching the fishermen, cargo vessels and old wharf buildings was the start of his career. People watching him draw often would say, what are you asking for that drawing, and would you sign it! He has been introduced as, "Oh, you're the artist that draws the ships." In galleries and museums where he often works at his drawing board.  Jim relates little-known facts, trivia and fascinating tidbits about the days of the sail. Some of his commissions have included the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard.

"The Tow Line" Pen and ink drawing by Jim Campbell

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1928, he attended schools in Michigan and Ohio before going to work with his father in a small-town newspaper and print shop. It was here he learned his future occupation in the newspaper business. In 1975, he formed his own company, which markets his art work in galleries and shops throughout the country. Jim Campbell's unique art work can be seen in San Francisco Maritime Store, Scrimshaw Gallery in Sausalito, the Boat Works in Carmel, the Maritime Museum in Monterey, Hawaii Maritime Museum and Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery, Portsmouth, VA. Campbell's art work now hang in private collections throughout the world. As a self-taught artist he believes the best teacher is enthusiasm for your work.

 

Come and join us this Saturday, May 29, 2010, meet Jim Campbell and see a collection of his artwork. Jim will be on hand from 12 noon til 5 pm. working on one of his latest works of art.  You can also commission Jim to create an original pen and ink drawing of your boat- perfect for framing!  Other customers have had their original artwork reduced and used as art for business cards, cocktail napkins, greeting cards, etc. You can also visit Jim Campbell's original artwork by visiting our webstore at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery . Click here to go to Skipjack's Nautical Living home page.

WATERSIDE COTTAGES

Waterside Cottages Cover. Photography by Dan Mayers

Waterside style decorating is a great way to recapture your past or create an exciting new future.

Author Barbara Jacksier grew up in Brooklyn, New York, home to what may be the most famous beach in the world -- Coney Island. Her family lived in an apartment a few miles inland but each year they would spend their summer vacation at the shore. Barbara loved everything about living close to the water, including the sound of the waves, the pastel painted bungalows and the beachcomber’s keepsakes. Her memories of those beloved summer getaways inspired her new book, Waterside Cottages. It celebrates coastal style décor and makes the perfect summer reading.

Boathouse Living Room. Photography by Dan Mayers

When I was a child, my family and I spent our summer vacation at the beach. We didn’t stay in hotels. Instead, we rented small houses with easy access to whatever beach we were near. Those houses were called beach cottages, and I’ve loved them ever since.

In Waterside Cottages, I’ll take you on a cross-country tour to visit fourteen homeowners. The houses differ greatly in their decorating schemes, yet all have the ability to instantly transport you to the water’s edge. Some are centuries old and others built recently. A few boast vibrant Caribbean colors or nautical hues, while others rely on an all-white palette for a sense of serenity. Some feature rooms filled with accumulated treasures; others celebrate simplicity.

Photography by Dan Mayer

Whether they are primary residences, artist’s retreats or weekend getaway, all of the cottages in my book offer their owners and guests a place to enjoy time together; to chill out; and to feel sheltered and protected from the raging sea and the world outside. I hope you’ll use the book as a tool for translating a love of the waterside into successful decorating schemes.

Photography by Dan Mayer

Of course, as my mother told me, living near the water isn’t a necessary part of living beach house bliss. You can feel close to the sun and surf wherever you live when you decorate with waterside style.  Visit Barbara’s blog at http://barbarajacksier.blogspot.com/

Click here to go to Skipjack's Nautical Living home page.

Chelsea Clocks: The Finest Clocks in America Since 1897

12" Chelsea Automatic Ship's Bell Chain Clock and matching 10" Bell

Featured  this week is a 12" Chelsea automatic ship's bell chain clock and matching 10" bell, circa 1920,  considered one of Chelsea Clock Company's  most notable clocks and is featured as such on the Chelsea Clock website.

This is one of only two known examples of this clock with the other example displayed  in the NAWCC museum collection, Columbia, Pa.  It features a magnificent red brass clock case and bell with untouched original verde dial with special satin silver numerals and hands signed "Smith Patterson Company, Boston" and "Chelsea Automatic Ship's Bell". Serial number 138120. One of the most stunning and rare 12" clocks known.  Excellent working order, comes with AC power supply. Mahogany stand included. 

You can see this clock as well as other high quality new, vintage and antique Chelsea Clocks on our website at Chelsea Clocks at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery. 

Catalog wiring diagram and Bell shown on enlargement.

10 inch brass ship's bell to Chelsea Automatic Ship's Clock.
The external bell is operated automatically by the ship's bell clock.

Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery is proud to offer for sale some of the finest antique and classic vintage Chelsea Marine Clocks and Barometers at our river front showroom located in historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. We would also like to acknowledge our partnership with Chelsea Clock Historian James Dyson to provide expert knowledge and assistance with the purchase of new and vintage marine clocks and Barometers. Mr. Dyson is a renowned expert on Chelsea and other antique marine clocks with over 20 years experience collecting and researching all facets of Chelsea history. He is the author and curator of the “"Chelsea Clock Museum,” the online source of Chelsea history and museum quality marine clock knowledge. Jim is available by appointment to discuss and advise your marine clock purchase. He can also for a reasonable fee appraise your vintage Chelsea clock or marine clock collection. Click here to go to Skipjack's Nautical Living home page.

Nautical Signal Flag Pillows by Skipjack

Nautical signal flag pillows Letters "Z" and "K" made from actual vintage signal flags.

Skipjack Nautical Wares once again offers nautical flag pillows made from vintage ship's signal flags! We've picked through our vast collection of authentic vintage signal flags and have selected the best to make these colorful signal flag pillows- perfect nautical decor for your yacht, coastal home and nautical living.  Each nautical flag pillow is made of cotton blend with like trim and zippered  for easy removal of dacron filled pillow insert.  Solid colored back in contrasting color. Machine washable- lay flat to dry. Measures 20" X 20."  Includes dacron pillow insert.

Nautical signal flag pillow showing the back side in navy blue canvas.

*These are made from authentic ship's signal flags  measuring 4' X 6' or larger. This is a limited production item made here in Olde Towne Portsmouth and available pillows for sale can be found on our webstore at Skipjack Nautical Wares Nautical Living-Decorative Accessories.

Vintage ship's signal flags, pennants and country flags.

We also have a large selection of authentic vintage ship's signal flags, pennants and country flags here at Skipjack Nautical Wares. Most flags are made of cotton blends, but we also have a small selection of flags made of nylon.  These flags typically measure 4' X 6' or larger. Occasionally we have vintage flags in smaller sizes. Let us know what flags you are looking for. We sell vintage flags for $15.00 each (all sizes) and can be shipped via priority mail for $10.70 (up to three flags can be combined for shipping at the one flat rate).  You can E-mail us at askus@skipjacknauticalwares.com  or give us a call at (757) 399-5012.  Click here to go to Skipjack's Nautical Living home page.

Great Nautical Jewelry: Perfect for the Boating Enthusiast and Coastal Lifestyle

Sterling silver sailboat necklace from the Barbara Vincent Nautical Jewelry Collection

We are well stocked with exclusive nautical jewelry including the Sterling Sailboat Collection by Barbara Vincent, one of a kind creations perfect for the coastal lifestyle by local artist Betty Burnell, and fun summer sterling silver and shell jewelry from the pacific islands. Visit our Nautical Jewelry collection at Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery Nautical Jewelry Collection

Anchored heart. Hammered sterling silver heart pierced with a
sterling anchor charm. An original nautical-theme
creation by Betty Burnell from her Coastal Collection.

Sterling silver charm bracelet with nine nautical themed sterling silver charms.
 From the Barbara Vincent Nautical Jewelry Collection!

Something Fishy. Sterling silver chain, betelnut beads, Hill Tribe silver fish.
An original nautical-themed creation by Betty Burnell
 from her Coastal Collection.

Click here to go to Skipjack's Nautical Living home page.

U.S.S. Raleigh Engine Room Clock Returns to Portsmouth After More Than 100 Years. The clock Now on Display at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery

USS Raleigh, C-8, circa 1894

By Jim Dyson

USS Raleigh a United States Navy, protected cruiser, the second ship of the U.S. Navy named Raleigh, C-8, was laid down on 19 December 1889 at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia, launched 31 March 1892; sponsored by Mrs. Alfred W. Haywood; and commissioned on 17 April 1894, Captain Merrill Miller, commanding. The USS Raleigh was launched at the north end of the shipyard, near what now is Trophy Park. The Raleigh served in the Spanish American War and saw naval service until 21 April 1919. To read about the U.S.S. Raleigh's naval history, go to: USS Raleigh (C-8)

Launch of USS Raleigh, March 31, 1892, Portsmouth, Virginia.

On 5 August 1921 she was sold for scrapping to Henry A. Hitner's Sons Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's been a long time since 1921 and artifacts from Raleigh are scarce indeed. Recently, Portsmouth marine clock historian and collector, James Dyson was able to obtain the Raleigh engine room clock in a trade with another collector. Research shows USS Raleigh to be the first steel hulled cruiser to be made by the US Navy and it's birth here in Portsmouth makes the clocks' return to Portsmouth a historic milestone.

USS Raleigh Engine Room Clock, manufactured in 1892

 Marine clocks with US Navy ship names engraved on the dial are extremely difficult to find since only one clock at most with the ships name was made for each ship and not all US Navy ships had such a signed clock. The rarity of the USS Raleigh clock considering many US Navy clocks have not survived due to sinking or scraping is remarkable.

The clock has recently been restored to its 1892 condition and will be on display for a limted time at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery with an opening viewing on Friday, May 7, 2010.

If you are coming- you may also want to visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum (also located at the High Street Landing here in Olde Towne Portsmouth) and see the clock from the U.S.S. Texas and an early model of the U.S.S. Raleigh! The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum.

U.S.S. Raleigh Engine Room Clock  engraved ship name on clock face.

Read Jim Dyson's other recent posting titled U.S.S. Monitor Engine Room Clock Conserved and on Display at Mariners Museum.

About the author: Jim Dyson is a renowned expert on Chelsea marine clocks with over 20 years experience collecting and researching all facets of Chelsea history. He is the author and curator of the “Chelsea Clock Museum” the online source of Chelsea history and museum quality marine clock knowledge Chelsea Clock Museumand Director of the Marine Clock and Instrument Division of Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery. Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery-Chelsea Clocks & Barometers

Click here to go to Skipjack's Nautical Living home page.